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A flock of tree swallows soar over sparse winter shrubs
Hellcat Cross Dike Open 8/22 - 8/30

Enjoy our annual "behind the scenes" week along the Hellcat Cross Dike. The cross dike is open to walking between the Hellcat Observation Tower and Sub-Headquarters beginning Saturday August 22 through Sunday August 30. Enjoy the spectacular migration of tree swallows, egrets, and more. Note: foot access only, vehicle and bike parking available at both the Hellcat and Sub-Headquarters parking lots.

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Plover chick "saying" Thank you! in a graphicly added bubble, seen on beach thru a scope.
Refuge Beach Status: FULLY OPEN

The entire refuge beach is now FULLY OPEN for public use during normal hours of operation (sunrise to sunset). This includes all beach parking lots, boardwalks, and access points. Thank you to everyone who respected beach closures to protect nesting plovers and terns.

Located along the northeast coast of Massachusetts in an area of dense and expanding human development, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge has special significance and value to migratory birds, other wildlife, and people. The refuge also provides high-quality opportunities for nature-based recreation, including walking & biking, wildlife observation & photography, hunting, fishing, paddling, and beach use. We hope you visit us soon!

Visit Us

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Come explore YOUR national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

Learn more about national wildlife refuge by visiting during open hours, or joining one of our programs!

The refuge supports a wide variety of wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities. You can learn more about how to enjoy some of our popular activities using the links below:

Pass Types & Fees

Paid Passes

Free Passes

***If purchasing passes at the refuge GATEHOUSE, payment can be made by cash, check, CREDIT, AND DEBIT. If purchasing passes at the refuge VISITOR CENTER, payment can be made by cash OR check ONLY. Please call ahead to ensure that someone will be able to sell you a pass when you wish to come. Alternatively, most passes can be purchased online through Rec Access , USGS, or RECREATION.GOV.***

Location and Contact Information

      Tours

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      To schedule a program, tour, or field trip of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, contact us at 978-465-5753, or via email at parkerriver@fws.gov.

      Our Species

      Our Library

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      Alternative Beaches & Recreation Areas

      Parker River NWR periodically closes due to capacity and/or management requirements. But fear not! There are many local beaches and recreation areas to explore.

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      Parker River Accessibility Guide.pdf
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      Parker River Accessibility Guide.pdf
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      Final Habitat Management Plan - Parker River NWR & Thacher Island NWR

      This Habitat Management Plan (HMP) provides a long-term vision and specific guidance on managingpriority species, habitats, and ecosystems at Parker River and Thacher Island National Wildlife Refuges(NWRs). This is accomplished by determining the refuges’ priorities, setting goals and objectives...

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